A "safe" place to brunch on Mother's Day (without Ma'!)

As fortune would have it, I'll be by myself in Manhattan for Mother's Day weekend & will still need to eat on Sunday, despite generally avoiding restaurants on this holiday (á la New Year's & Valentine's). Might someone recommend someplace vaguely "upscale" for a lunchy brunch (or just straight-up lunch) that won't necessarily be a madhouse? Keeping in mind that "upscale" is probably what most people will be doing with Mom, I am certainly willing to concede some refinement level in exchange for a little more relative (I do understand that every Sunday is a bit of a Brunch Holiday in NYC) peace. And yes, I am fully aware that I made an extremely similar post eight months ago, minus the Mother's Day qualifier - the critical element in my new plea. Thank you!

(Will be leaving the city via Grand Central, midtown options a plus, but part of my fun when visiting is the walking & subway! Tx!)

Recommended From Chowhound

Summer is in full swing, which (hopefully) means trips to the park or the beach. If you’re taking a picnic along, you should know a few food safety rules so you can pack, transport, and eat your meal without the threat of food poisoning. Liz Weinandy

A roasted boneless leg of lamb makes an impressive centerpiece for your table, but this recipe is easy enough to pull off any time. A classic gremolata perfumes the lamb; the mixture of garlic, lemon, and parsley holds its own against the strong flavor of the meat. Read more.